BoxingScene.com's Television Picks of The Week - July 14

by Cliff Rold

Pick It: TBRB #5 Manny Pacquiao vs. Lucas Matthysse (Saturday, ESPN+, 9 PM EST) 

One of the greatest fighters of all time is at the point of his career where one never knows how much more career there really is. Could Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KO) find an ending Sunday morning in Malaysia?

Economics might keep him active regardless but a loss to a Lucas Matthysse (39-4, 36 KO) who, like Pacquiao, is no spring chicken, would be a difficult rebound. Pacquiao could be a big money option for the right opponent; Matthysse still has enough pop to seal one more big payday for himself. This is a solid veteran clash and the undercard fights on ESPN+ (starting at 8 PM) show some promise as well, including an appearance by flyweight stalwart Moruti Mthalane, make this the best of the pay wall cards the Worldwide leader has provided so far.

Additional Show to Watch For

Saturday – ESPN (7 PM EST): TBRB #3 Prograis vs. Velsaco

ESPN is giving a solid lead-in to the card they want viewers to pay for. Regis Prograis (21-0, 18 KO) is an exciting, interesting young talent at Jr. welterweight. With a place in the World Boxing Super Series just a fight away, he’ll face Juan Velasco (20-0, 12 KO) for the interim WBC belt. The undercard features 2015 US National Golden Gloves champion and Honduran 2016 Olympian Teofimo Lopez (9-0, 7 KO) is action.

Next week, the viewing options in the US start to open up again.

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com